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As part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement process of the Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, led by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, on Thursday, 19 July 2012, a technical task team engagement was held with representatives of stakeholders at the Union Buildings.

Director-General in the Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi, led the government delegation and chaired the session. This engagement included representatives from Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA), Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA), Road Freight Association (RFA) and leaders of the religious sector.

In the interest of transparency, government shared information with stakeholders to contextualise the GFIP and provide clarity on technical issues. Technical details shared with stakeholders included among others some of the explanations for the operational and administrative cost of the e-toll system.

The stakeholder engagement provided a platform to respond to issues raised by stakeholders, as well as to begin to unpack technical issues. Presentations included immediate to short term programmes as well as long term plans to developing an integrated public transport system.

Stakeholders argued strongly for alternative funding models for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project including Fuel Levy.

Government is aware of the concerns of stakeholders and is committed to consider all suggestions in deciding on a way forward.

All stakeholders present agreed to engage further to address specific issues.

The stakeholder engagement process of the IMC on the GFIP continues with a planned session with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) for Friday, 20 July 2012.